By the second quarter, the Patriots led by 35 points. During one span of 56 seconds, the Jets surrendered 21 points. They kept making mistake after mistake, some of them comical.

The Jets' low point came in the second quarter, after quarterback Mark Sanchez and fullback Lex Hilliard missed a handoff exchange, and Sanchez decided to run. Sanchez slipped, collided with the backside of guard Brandon Moore, and fumbled. Patriots safety Steve Gregory picked up the loose ball and ran 32 yards for a touchdown. On the ensuing kickoff, Joe McKnight fumbled, and Julian Edelman returned it 22 yards for another Patriots touchdown.

It was all part of a debacle for the Jets, and an easy 49-19 victory for the Patriots. Here's what we learned:

1. The Jets (4-7) should not be taken seriously as a playoff contender. Their remaining schedule is not that difficult, but they don't seem capable of consistent football. Sanchez threw another red zone interception. The secondary blew assignments that left Patriots receivers wide open.

In the long run, it may be better for the Jets to implode. They need to make serious changes, and they're only fooling themselves if they think otherwise.

2. The Patriots (8-3) are on a mission for playoff seeding. New England has virtually wrapped up the AFC East. But the Patriots are still battling the Texans (10-1), the Ravens (8-2) and the Broncos (7-3) for playoff seeding. Having won five straight, the Patriots have built momentum for a strong finish, but they still have the Texans and 49ers (7-2-1) on their schedule. New England needs to keep winning to secure a first-round bye.

3. Tom Brady (18-of-28, 323 yards, 3 TD passes) remains on fire. Over the last five games, Brady has 14 touchdown passes without throwing an interception. He has been so good, for so long, but shows no sign of slowing down. That's a great sign for the Patriots. They reached the Super Bowl last season, and with Brady playing like this, they are capable of reaching another.